Crime rate is something to consider -Mendota Heights sits at 131.9 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,557 for rent here. Homes are going for about $504,100 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Ariana
been saying this for years
36 upvotes
Vivian Thomas
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
noladude2024
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Lily Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
32 upvotes
Matthew
accurate
26 upvotes
Lucas Turner
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Elijah Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 29, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
21 upvotes
Theodore T.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
great question, following
16 upvotes
Elizabeth Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Eugene W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Caroline A.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much growing but now it's average.
2 upvotes
Serenity Miller
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
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